Actor Kamal Haasan.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Kannada and Culture Minister of Karnataka, Shivaraj Tangadagi, said on Friday that actor Kamal Haasan’s films will be “banned” in the state, as decided by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), if he does not apologise for his remarks about the Kannada language.

Meanwhile, KFCC president M Narasimhalu said exhibitors and distributors themselves have voluntarily decided not to screen his movie if he doesn’t apologise.

KFCC on Thursday said that it will not allow the release of Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life in Karnataka unless he issues a public apology by May 30 for his controversial remarks about the Kannada language.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s recent statement claiming that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” during a promotional event for his upcoming film has sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organisations.

“I have written a letter. After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet saying that if he doesn’t apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture,” Tangadagi said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said that irrespective of how big the person is, who has spoken against — Kannada, Kannadigas and Karnataka’s land and water — it will not be tolerated. Kamal Haasan has to apologise, if not as decided by the film chamber of commerce, his films will be banned.

“We will not allow it, if he doesn’t apologise. He should apologise. Any light comment against Kannada will not be tolerated. If he doesn’t apologise, we will take our decision,” he added.

Asked if his films will be banned in case an apology doesn’t come, Tangadagi responded, “Yes”. Responding to a question on actor Shivarajkumar’s response to the controversy, the minister said he has asked the Kannada star to talk about it with Kamal Haasan.

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“I spoke to Shivarajkumar about this when we shared the stage in an event. Dr Rajkumar (Shivrajkumar’s father and Kannada thespian) and family have worked a lot for Kannada cause, likewise Kannadaiga’s have also nurtured them. As a senior actor you (Shivarajkumar) make him (Kamal Hassan) understand. I told him on the stage. We cannot tolerate it. Let Shivarajkumar or another senior actor speak to him,” he said.